Self-locking tubular containers



Feb. 25, 1969 5, MANSFlELD 3,429,500

SELF-LOCKING TUBULAR CONTAINERS Filed Oct. 10, 1967 United States Patent 3,429,500 SELF-LOCKING TUBULAR CONTAINERS Stanley J. Mansfield, 47 W. 57th St., New York, N.Y. 10019 Filed Oct. 10, 1967, Ser. No. 674,173 US. Cl. 229-62 Int. Cl. B6Sd 33/24, 85/20, 77/14 4 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE This invention relates generally to packaging, and more particularly to an improved tubular package of low cost type.

It is among the principal objects of the present invention to provide a tubular package formed from lengths of synthetic resinous tubing of varying diameters, a first portion of which may be permanently closed, as by heat sealing, and a second portion of which is selectively closeable.

Another object of the invention lies in the provision of a tubular container of the type described, in which the closing parts thereof are formed by cutting portions of the tube.

A further object of the invention lies in the provision of improved flexible synthetic resinous packaging, in which the cost of fabrication may be of a very low order, with consequent wide sale, distribution and use.

A feature of the invention lies in the fact that the disclosed embodiments are equally well suited for the packaging of small objects, liquids, or particulate material.

Another feature of the disclosed embodiments lies in the unusually attractive appearance of the same, thus making them suitable for use as display packages.

These objects and features, as well as other incidental ends and advantages, will more fully appear in the progress of the following disclosure, and be pointed out in the appended claims.

In the drawing, to which reference will be made in the specification, similar reference characters have been employed to designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.

FIGURE 1 is a front elevational view of a first embodiment of the invention.

FIGURE 2 is a side elevational view thereof, as might be seen from the left hand portion of FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 3 is another side elevational view, showing a first step in the closing of the upper end thereof.

FIGURE 4 is a further side elevational view showing the first embodiment in completely closed condition.

FIGURE 5 is a front elevational view of the first embodiment, corresponding to that seen in FIGURE 1, but showing the device in closed condition.

FIGURE 6 is a front elevational view thereof, showing the side opposite that seen in FIGURE 5.

FIGURE 7 is a view in elevation, corresponding to that seen in FIGURE 1, but showing a second embodiment of the invention.

FIGURE 8 is a view in elevation corresponding to that seen in FIGURE 5 of the first embodiment, but showing an alternate form thereof.

FIGURE 9 is a view in elevation showing the side 3,429,500 Patented Feb. 25, 1969 ice opposite that seen in FIGURE 8, but with certain of the component parts thereof in altered relative position.

FIGURE 10 is a view in perspective showing a third embodiment of the invention.

FIGURE 11 is a view in perspective showing a fourth embodiment of the invention.

FIGURE 12 is a view in elevation showing a variation of the fourth embodiment of the invention.

FIGURE 13 is a fragmentary view in elevation showing a fifth embodiment of the invention.

In accordance with the first embodiment of the invention, the device, generally indicated by reference character 10 is formed from a length of synthetic resinous tubing, and includes a first end portion 11 and a second end portion 12. The tubing may be of cellulose acetate, polyethylene, or similar materials, and preferably from a material including heat sealable characteristics as well as a degree of resiliency.

The first end portion 11 is provided with an axially arranged slit 13 extending through the body of the tube, and communicating with a pair of slits 14 which are angularly disposed with respect thereto, the slits 13 and 14 forming a pair of resilient locking members 15, as best seen in FIGURES 1 and 2. The first end portion 11 is closed by forming a fold line 16, preferably by mechanically crimping, and folding that portion of the tube disposed above the line 16 as shown in FIGURE 3. The portion of the tube'designated by reference character 20, disposed above the crimp line, and below the slits 14 is flattened, to permit the locking members 15 to be spread to a point where they pass the remaining, relatively undistorted portion of the tube, and contract to retain themselves in the position shown in FIGURES 4 and 6.

The second end portion 12 may be heat sealed as indicated, to affect a permanent closure thereof, or, if desired, may be closed by a cork (not shown) or any other suitable means.

Turning to the second embodiment of the invention, as illustrated in FIGURE 7, parts corresponding to those of the first embodiment have been designated by similar reference characters, with the additional prefix 1. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the slits 114 are formed as a single operation, and both lie coaxially at right angles with respect to the axis of the slit 113. The operation and function of the second embodiment is substantially identical with that of the first embodiment.

In the modification of the first embodiment shown in FIGURES 8 and 9, there is provided a tubular sleeve 22 which may be moved upwardly from the position shown in dashed lines to. overlie the engaged locking members 15, and prevent their accidental disengagement with respect to the body of the tube. In the condition shown in FIGURE 9, the identical sleeve may be employed to maintain the device in opened condition for the expelling of the contents thereof (not shown).

In the third embodiment shown in FIGURE 10, parts corresponding to those of the first embodiment have been designated by similar reference characters with the additional prefix 2. This embodiment is in essence a pair of embodiments 10 joined at the seconds ends thereof, and formed from a single length of continuous tubing. This embodiment is particularly useful, for example, in the packaging of multiphased epoxy adhesives, and similar articles. It may also be used for the packaging of different seasonings, such as salt and pepper, and the like.

In the fourth embodiment illustrated in FIGURE 11, parts corresponding to those of the principal embodiment have been designated by similar reference characters, with the additional prefix 3. This embodiment is provided with an additional slit opening 25 disposed between the 3 slits 314 and the fold line 316, to permit a small amount of contents of the tube to be removed without the necessity of disengaging the locking members 315. This embodiment is particularly suited for the dispensing of mustard, coffee cream, and the like.

In the variation of the fourth embodiment shown in FIGURE 12, there is provided a saturated cloth 33 enabling the device to be used as an inhaler.

In the fifth embodiment, indicated by reference character 410, the device is made on a larger scale, to enable an article of commerce to be packaged, the 5th embodiment includes an end portion 411, and a fold line 416. An example is the toothbrush indicated by reference character 34.

I wish it to be understood that I do not consider the invention limited to the precise details of structure shown and set forth herein, for obvious modifications will occur to those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains.

I claim:

1. A packaging container formed of a length of flexible tubing, and including a first closed end portion and a second oppositely disposed closeable end portion; said second end portion having a first axially arranged slit therein, and angularly disposed second and third slits communicating with said first slit to define a pair of oppositely acting resilient locking members; whereupon the formation of a transverse fold and the bending of said locking members therearound, said locking members may be spread to resiliently engage the outer surface of said tubing to effect a closure at said second end portion.

2. Structure in accordance with claim 1 wherein said second and third slits are disposed perpendicular to said first slit.

3. Structure in accordance with claim 1 in which said second and third slits are disposed at an angle other than a right angle With respect to said first slit.

4. Structure in accordance with claim 1 including a cylindrical sleeve surrounding said tubing and slidably moveable between first and second positions, in one of which said locking members are at least partially covered to prevent accidental disengagement from the outer surface of said tubing, and in another of which said sleeve may move longitudinally over said locking members in disengaged condition so that the cross section of said tubing is maintained in arcuate configuration to facilitate the filling or emptying of the contents of the tube.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,370,966 3/1921 Hirsch -3 3,366,226 1/1968 Baklor 206- DAVID M. BOCKENEK, Primary Examiner.

U.S. Cl. X.R. 1503; 206-16.5 

